Command Arms Accessories Introduces Two New Forward Grip and Bipod Combinations

Command Arms Accessories (CAA) the manufacturer of unique and innovative weapon accessories is proud to introduce two new Forward Grip and Bipod Combinations. The Pod Grip, a molded grip and stable bipod combination, offers improved muzzle control and increased accuracy. Manufactured from high-density polymer, it has four finger grooves for a comfortable and secure grip. The push button instantaneously releases the bipod legs allowing the operator to immediately move from the CQB position to the fighting prone position. The bipod feet are serrated for improved gripping. The rail mounting surface of the grip/bipod has two location lugs which lock into the Picatinny rail eliminating any front to rear movement on the rail. Quick release and installation on the rail is accomplished with a spring loaded rail clamp and thumbnut. The second model is the Pivoting Pod Grip and has all of the features of the Pod Grip plus the additional features of pivoting up to 60 degrees off center in both directions (120 degrees total), for acquiring and maintaining the sight picture. The bipod legs re-center automatically once released from the ground for instant weapon repositioning. A unique joint in the grip base allows the operator to correctly position the rifle straight up and down even if the bipod legs are on an uneven surface. The Pod Grip and Pivot Pod Grip are made of super tough polymer with a hard black anodized stainless steel mechanism for use in wet, humid, or salt-water conditions. Tough polymer legs are reinforced with a 1.2mm steel insert heat treated to 48 Rockwell for extra strength. An optional ambidextrous pressure switch mount (PGS) is also available. These new products as well as all other CCA accessories come with a Lifetime Warranty. For more information please contact Command Arms Accessories, Dept. SAR, 76 Vincent Circle, Ivyland, PA 18974. Phone: (267) 803-1518. Fax: (267) 803-1002. Website: www.commandarms.com.

Samson Manufacturing Introduces Krinkov Tactical Rail

Samson Manufacturing makes a full line of tactical rails for just about any tactical rifle. It has now expanded its line of rails to include a very innovative 4-sided rail for the diminutive Krinkov series of AK rifles. The new rail system requires no gunsmithing other than removing the weapon’s existing wooden upper and lower handguard. The wood upper handguard is removed from the gas tube and then the tube is replaced. The rail features a barrel clamp that fastens around the barrel just forward of the rear trunnion. The two-piece rail system then fastens to the barrel clamp with four socket head screws for a very secure fit. It has four 1913-Picatinny Mil-Spec rails located on top, both sides and the bottom. The top rail features a clearance slot so that iron sights can still be used. The bottom rail and side rail have clearance cuts for either side or bottom folding stocks. The new rail system allows the addition of optics, lights, lasers and vertical grips (like the excellent new TangoDown Vertical “Stubby” grip shown in the photo). Two models of the Krinkov rail are available; the Model 2 for the Yugoslavian M92 and the Model 3 for the Bulgarian rifles. These, like all of Samson’s other rails, are made from 6061 T6 billet aluminum alloy for light weight and rugged strength. They also feature a black anodized finish and laser-etched T-slot letters and numbers. This new rail is added to a long list of existing rail systems and accessories for most tactical rifles as well as the new SIG 556. For more information please contact them at Samson Manufacturing Corporation, Dept. SAR, 110 Christian Lane, Whately, MA 01373. Phone: (413) 665-1162. Fax: (413) 665-1163. Website: www.samson-mfg.com. TangoDown products can be located at TangoDown, Dept. SAR, 1588 Arrow Highway, Unit F, La Verne, CA 91750. Phone: (909) 392-4757. Fax: (909) 392-4802. Website: www.tangodown.com.

PentagonLight Adds New MOLLE Light Forest

PentagonLight has expanded their highly successful MOLLE Light family with the introduction of their new MOLLE Light Forest. Reminiscent of the widely issued WWII TL 122 vintage military flashlight, the MOLLE Light is an up-to-date version and the smallest high-power anglehead LED flashlight available in the market today. Its small size fits through PALs webbing for secured hands-free attachment on MOLLE vests and compatible gear. The rotating metal clip provides attachment options to numerous other locations. Powered by a single AA battery, this 40-lumen white light has a runtime of up to 3 hours. A green filter is stowed in the base for changing the beam color to green for use as a hunter safety light, and is suitable for outdoorsman/campers without spooking wildlife. The filtered green beam also produces minimal signature to night vision goggles and devices. A top mounted button on/off switch allows operation without removing from webbing. A miniature magnetic compass in the tail-cap serves as a navigation aid. With this new addition, the MOLLE Light has furthered itself as an icon of compact personal flashlights. For more product information on MOLLE Light Forest and other advanced illumination tools please contact PentagonLight, Dept. SAR, 151 Mitchell Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94080. Phone: (650) 877-1555. Fax: (650) 877-9555. Their website is www.pentagonlight.com.

Hardigg Introduces HK UMP Storm Case

Hardigg now has a Storm Case made especially for the Heckler & Koch UMP submachine gun. The new case measures 20×14.6×5.8 inches and looks discreetly like a hard computer briefcase. The case is made from injection molded HPX resin and features easy opening “Press & Pull” latches. It also features a soft grip carry handle, lockable padlock hasps and a pressure release valve. On the inside, the watertight case has custom foam that is cut out for the UMP with its stock folded and an extra magazine. There is a removable piece of foam to accommodate a gun with attached optics. A removable upper foam tray reveals a bottom layer of foam that can store up to five magazines or accessories. It also comes with a padded shoulder strap and is available in either black or olive drab. Storm Cases offer more than just a very durable watertight, padlockable made in the USA case, they also are unconditionally guaranteed for life. For more information on this as well as their full line of weapon, industrial and custom made cases, please contact them at Hardigg Storm Case, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 201, South Deerfield, MA 01373. Phone: (413) 665-2163. Fax: (413) 665-8330. Website: www.hardigg.com.

New A2 Back Up Iron Sight from GG&G

Improved and redesigned for 2008, the GG&G A2 Back Up Iron Sight (BUIS) provides the operator with an easy-to-install and easy-to-operate flip-up rear sight and includes the all important locking detent. Improvements include a more tactile and ergonomic windage knob, a countersunk crossbolt and more streamlined body. The GG&G A2 BUIS is always at the tactical ready once placed in the up position. The sight cannot be folded down without depressing the spring assisted detent release button located on the left side of the sight base. This totally eliminates the possibility of accidentally lowering the sight. All of these enhanced benefits improve the A2 BUIS and are offered without additional cost. The new sight can be used as a co-witness iron sight with most red dot sighting systems, as a stand-alone sight or in conjunction with the GG&G F.I.R.E. rails. The sight weighs just slightly over 2 ounces and features the standard military A2 style double peep aperture. The mount body and sight stem are manufactured from billet 6061 T6 aluminum alloy and Type III hard coat anodized in a non-reflective mil-spec finish to provide combat durability. All steel components are black manganese phosphated per mil-spec. As an option, the sight can be ordered with the XS same plane aperture or the Trijicon tritium aperture installed. For more information on this as well as an extensive line of fine firearm accessories please contact GG&G, Dept. SAR, 3602 East 42nd Stravenue, Tucson, AZ 85713. Phone: (520) 748-7167. Fax: (520) 748-7583. Website: www.gggaz.com.

Japanese T96 and T99 Magazines from J&G Machine Service

J&G Machine Service has announced new Japanese T96 and T99 light machine gun magazines. They are intended for the shooter, not as a reproduction for the original Japanese magazine. Each magazine is individually cut from steel plate, hand formed and fitted, welded, hand finished and blued. Every magazine has been test fired for fit and function. J&G Machine Service guarantees each magazine: “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” Both magazine models weigh a little more than their original Japanese magazine counterpart due tothe use of plate steel. In tests, the 30-round magazines functioned flawlessly. The Type 99 magazine is for the 7.7x58mm cartridge, while the Type 96 is for the 6.5x50mm round. Why risk damaging an original $1,000 magazine when you can now use J&G Machine Service’s $180 (postage paid) shooter’s magazine instead. For information or to place an order, please contact J&G Machine Service, Dept. SAR, PO Box 10, Congress, AZ 85332. Reach them by phone: (928) 427-3180. Email: AZGUNSO@yahoo.com.

New Amphibian “S” From AWC Systems Technology

AWC Systems Technology, a worldleader in commercially available silencer technology, introduces the newly redesigned Amphibian S, the last silenced .22 pistol you will ever own. The AWC Amphibian S is the Ruger KMK 512 with an integral AWC Systems Technology suppressed barrel. This pistol is constructed of stainless steel and will never be worn out, damaged beyond repair or become obsolete. AWC Systems Technology can also modify any existing suppressed Ruger pistol to this standard of excellence. The Amphibian S is offered in stainless matte navy grey or polished stainless finish. An optional upgraded finish of matte black, charcoal black or NATO green is also available. The integrally suppressed barrel has an overall length of 7 inches and complete pistol system weight of 41 ounces. Shooting 40gr high velocity, the Amphibian S is dead accurate and is much less noisy than a CO pellet pistol.

AWC Systems Technology has provided suppressed weapons systems to the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, major law enforcement agencies nationwide, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, federal and state correctional facilities and Special Forces units in Central America and the Middle East. For more information contact AWC Systems Technology, Dept. SAR, 1515 West Deer Valley Road, Suite 105A, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Phone: (623) 780-1050. Fax: (623) 780-2967. On the web at www.awcsystech.com.

GG&G Introduces New Back Up Iron Sight

The New GG&G A2 Spring Actuated Back Up Iron Sight (BUIS) represents the latest innovation in BUIS products. Many operators requested a BUIS that would deploy with just the push of a button and GG&G delivered. The unique and proprietary design of the spring actuated mechanism captivates the actuator spring and mechanical components, preventing adverse environmental contact. The revolutionary design ensures reliability and long life of a critical component. The superior new design of the A2 Spring Actuated BUIS provides the operator the ability to activate the push button with the non fire control hand ensuring the user a tactical advantage under any condition. The locking mechanism functions for both the raised and lowered position, completely eliminating the potential of accidentally raising or lowering the sight and providing a low profile stance when lowered to allow the use of most optics. When properly mounted, the A2 Spring Actuated BUIS can be used to co-witness with most red dot and holographic sighting systems. In the unfortunate event of a electro-optic failure, the A2 Spring Actuated BUIS will deploy rapidly and securely. Standard A2 double peep aperture and windage knob allows for known point of impact by the end user. Optional XS same plane aperture or Trijicon Tritium Apertures are available by request. The mount body and sight stem are manufactured from solid billet 6061 T6 Aluminum, Type III hard anodized matte black. Steel components are Matte Black Manganese Phosphated and all finishes are per Mil-Spec. For more information, or to order the A2 Spring Actuated BUIS or any other of their fine products, please contact them at GG&G, Dept. SAR, 3602 East 42nd Strave, Tucson, AZ 85713. Phone: (800) 380- 2540. Fax: (520) 748-7583. Their website is www.gggaz.com.

Buffer Technologies Introduces New AR-10 Buffer

Buffer Technologies is expanding its line of high-quality tactical components with the addition of a hydraulic AR-10 buffer from Enidine, Inc. The new hydraulic AR- 10 buffer is an improvement over the weapon’s standard metal tube buffer. It dramatically reduces felt recoil and helps shooters maintain accuracy by suppressing bolt bounce and muzzle flip. It also helps protect optics by reducing shock to the delicate instruments. The Enidine buffer replaces the standard buffer assembly in the AR-10, but shooters retain their stock and buffer spring. The buffer has been engineered for an easy installation that doesn’t require any special tools or gunsmithing. The new AR-10 buffer is made from anodized steel with a corrosionprotection finish. Buffer Technologies also offers the AR-Restor, Enidine’s hydraulic buffer for both carbine and full stock AR- 15s. Enidine is a market leader in hydraulic energy absorbers for the industrial, aerospace and defense industries. Its hydraulic recoil buffers are used by the U.S. military and NATO forces for automatic weapons. For more information on this as well as their outstanding line of accessories and firearms buffers, please contact them at Buffer Technologies, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 105047, Jefferson City, MO 65110. Phone: (877) 628-3337. Fax: (573) 634-8522. They can be found on the web at www.buffertech.com.

Sabre Defense Introduces New M2 and MK19 Tools

Sabre Defense Industries, a prime contractor to the United States military as a supplier of ordnance systems and components, is proud to introduce a simple solution for reducing breakdown time on M2s and MK19s while preventing potential personal injury; the M2 Tool and MK19 Tool. Simple disassembly and reassembly of an M2 or MK19 can be time consuming especially when in the field where every minute of response time is precious to the safety of the operator and his team. Throw in cold weather and wearing gloves and loosening a bolt with a standard wrench becomes near impossible. The Sabre M2 Tool is the perfect size for loosening and removing bolts and adjusts the timing without having to remove gloves. The M2 Tool makes removal of the drive rod spring easy and a special end sets the headspace gap and buffer body release pin. The Sabre MK19 Took allows the operator to hold down the sear to remove the bolt while preventing injury to the operator’s thumb. A pry end removes charging handles, aligns the slide and pin for the back plate. A builtin hammer can be used to remove the secondary drive lever. Both Sabre tools have been developed and tested with combat troops in mind. Soldiers in the field using the M2 or MK19 tools are already experiencing a time saving difference from a standard minimum operating time of 8 minutes to 3 minutes or less. Priced at $90 SRP per tool, Sabre’s M2 and MK19 Tools are the most efficient breakdown tools on the market. For more information or to place an order, please contact Sabre Defense Industries, LLC, Dept. SAR, 450 Allied Drive, Nashville, TN 37211. Phone: (615) 333-0077. Fax: (615) 333- 6229. Their website address is www.sabredefense.com.

SafeBox Portable Security Unit

Response Technologies Incorporated (RTI) has just announced their new SafeBox, a portable security unit. The SafeBox is small enough to mount almostanywhere and large enough to protect some of your most valuable possessions. The most innovative and unique feature is that the SafeBox is portable. Mount the SafeBox’s steel sleeve in your car, boat, RV, home, office, almost anywhere. Just unlock and slide the safe out of the sleeve and now the SafeBox is a portable lock box. It can be open or unlocked until secured back into its steel sleeve again. By purchasing additional sleeves your valuables can be secured in multiple locations. The places sleeves can be mounted are almost endless. The SafeBox is ideal for jewelry, guns, medications, or just about anything you need to keep safe. The SafeBox features barrel style keys and hardened steel construction. Safes can be keyed alike for multiple location security. For more information, please contact Response Technologies Incorporated, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 222, Flanders, NJ 07836. Phone: (973) 252-7755. Fax: (973) 252- 7771. Website: www.response-tech.com.

By Christopher R. Bartocci

Last month we looked at Type’s A and B of Colt’s SCAR (Special operations forces Combat Assault Rifle) program. Both used the traditional gas impingement system as found in the M16/M4 family of weapons and fared very well in the trials. However, there was an unwritten requirement that SOCOM wanted a conventional piston operated weapon. They felt it would be more clean and reliable under the extreme circumstances that they operated under.

Colt set out to develop their own piston driven mechanism. Piston systems were nothing new to Colt as they had experimented with it many years ago. In the late 1960s to early 1970s, experimentation was going on at Colt, Rock Island and Winchester to develop a standard piston mechanism to deal with the problems the early rifles had with the switch-over to ball powder. This also was as a response to the publicity of the reliability of the AK47. In the end, a report in 1968 stated that the 10 prototype weapons performed about equal to the current M16A1 rifles. Colt developed the model 703 as a piston driven operating system. Although totally unlike the current SCAR design, it indicates that Colt had investigated this in the past. The 703 was a full-length rifle with a piston rod that was attached to the bolt carrier, much like the AK-type piston. By the time Colt had concluded the development of the 703, all the changes made to the M16A1 and ammunition made a piston-operated mechanism unnecessary.

The Colt 703 rifle when fired, the bullet would propel down the barrel, and gas was bled from the barrel into the gas cylinder created between the end of the piston rod and the front sight base. The piston rod, being attached to the bolt carrier group, would move rearward extracting and ejecting the fired cartridge case. When the bolt carrier group reaches it’s furthest rearward motion the buffer/buffer spring would drive the bolt carrier group forward stripping a round from the magazine, chambering it, and the bolt would lock into battery ready for the next shot.

Colt SCAR Type C

SOCOM’s unwritten requirement for a piston operated rifle was based upon their belief that this system kept the gun cleaner due to hot gasses not being blown into the bolt carrier causing fouling. This is especially true when being fired with a suppressor.

Colt began work to design their own piston system. With the requirement for a free-floated barrel, Colt opted to use their newly designed one-piece upper receiver. Keeping the legacy M4 platform was important as it was very user friendly. Once the shooter grasps the pistol grip, all manipulations of the selector and magazine catch can be made without manipulation of the shooters hand. The left hand will insert the loaded magazine a hit the bolt catch to reload. Due to the magazine dropping free and the bolt holding open on the last shot, reloading can be accomplished is seconds. An added benefit to keeping this platform was taking advantage of the existing familiarity of the operators’ use with the M4A1 carbine.

The SCAR Type C Upper Receiver

The upper receiver chosen was the Colt proprietary one-piece upper receiver. This allowed the barrel to be mounted to the receiver and permitted to free float; increasing accuracy as well as assist in cooling. The upper receiver utilizes a forward assist assembly, fired cartridge case deflector and an ejection port dust cover. There is a continuous Mil-Std 1913 rail that goes from the top of the charging handle area to the front sight base. This will allow the mounting of multiple optics including night vision, reflex sight as well as a laser. The side rails allow the operator to mount flashlights or other accessories. The bottom portion of the rail is removable allowing the mounting of a grenade launcher. When the standard cover with the rail is on, a vertical pistol grip may be installed. During testing, the newly designed Grip Pod Systems vertical pistol grip was used. This vertical pistol grip/bipod is made of 7075 T6 aircraft aluminum, the same as the Colt SCAR receivers. The bottom of the grip turns into a spring-loaded bipod with a push of a button. When the operator drops to the prone position and engages the bipod, the carbine has a stable base for aimed firing. When the bipod is engaged and the weapon shouldered, the magazine will not snag on the ground.

The carbine utilizes the same BUIS (Back Up Iron Sight) as the Colt Type A. The rear sight is a modified Colt carrying handle rear sight. Colt took a standard carrying handle and removed the handle just leaving a lightweight rear sight. There are no sharp edges to snag. It is adjustable for elevation out to 600 meters and has two sight apertures. A 0 to 200-meter close and a long-range aperture. However, any BUIS can be used whether it be an ARMS #40 L or a Knight Armament BUIS.

The front sight is a Colt designed foldable front sight assembly attached to the gas block. This same front sight assembly was used on all three of Colt’s entries and was activated and locked by a button on the left side. This utilized a square 4-notch front sight post and is adjustable for elevation only.

The Colt Piston Operating System

The piston system is very simple and very reliable. In firearms design there are two basic piston systems. The first is where the piston/operating rod is directly attached to the bolt carrier such as the AK47/AKM. The second is the short-stroke tappet where the operating rod strikes the face of the bolt carrier driving the carrier rearward while the piston rod reciprocates back to its rested position in front of the firearm such as the AR18, SKS and FN FAL.

The system chosen by Colt is the latter. By going with the two-piece operating rod the weight may be decreased. Colt has been working on their piston systems for a couple of years in their model shop. In 2003, a prototype was made showing an early attempt of their system. Over the next couple years their design would be modified and perfected to the final system they chose for their SCAR candidate

The final system begins with their proprietary one-piece upper receiver. The barrel is secured to the inside of the receiver and the barrel left free-floating. The system consists of the op rod and return spring. The front of the system consists of the gas cylinder and the mechanism is locked into the weapon by a large pin in the front sight/gas block. There is a gas relief vent in front of the gas cylinder that vents through the front of the front sight assembly. Colt has tested this operating mechanism with over 18,000 rounds without cleaning and without failure. This piston system does not require routine maintenance during cleaning.

As the bullet travels down the barrel upon firing, the bullet passes the gas port and gas is directed into the gas expansion chamber, driving the piston rearward. The rear of the piston impacts a modified carrier key on the bolt carrier group driving the carrier group rearward. While the carrier group continues rearward, the piston rod returns to its forward resting position. On the bolt carrier group’s rearward travel the bolt unlocks, extracting and ejecting the fired cartridge case from the carbine. Then the compressed heavy buffer and spring return the carrier group forward stripping an unfired cartridge from the magazine, feeding it into the chamber, and then the bolt locks into the barrel extension. The carbine is ready for the next shot to be fired. Another benefit of the piston-operated system is the ability to set the cyclic rate of the weapon. Colt chose to make the SCAR Type C fire at 800 rounds per minute comparable to that of the M4A1 with Mk 262 Mod 1 ammunition.

The Bolt Carrier

The bolt carrier group looks very similar to the standard M16/M4 family of firearms but with one major change: a new bolt carrier key. Also, there are no gas rings on the bolt due to the expansion chamber being in the front sight assembly instead of the back of the bolt carrier group. Another innovation that Colt has done is to change the finish of the bolt and carrier. It has a proprietary UCT Defense UltraChem (nickel boron) finish to eliminate the need for any lubricant whatsoever. This slippery finish needs merely a wipe with a rag to clean. This coating also improves corrosion resistance. The extractor utilizes the improved gold extractor spring with the stronger black extractor buffer.

The Barrel

As per specifications, the barrels come in two different lengths. The standard carbine barrel length is 14.5 inches and the CQC (Close Quarter Combat) barrel is 10.5 inches. Both barrels are heavy barrels to insure they can take the required heavy firing schedule demanded by SOCOM. The barrel utilizes the standard 1 turn in 7 inch rifling twist that is required to stabilize the Mk 262 Mod 1 ammunition currently in use by SOCOM. Additionally, as per requirements, a Knight’s Armament Quick Detach flash suppressor is installed for use with the silencer. The front sight base has a bayonet lug for mounting a bayonet on both barrels even though one cannot be mounted on the 10.5 inch barrel.

The chamber has been modified to comply with the “Over the Beach” requirement specified for the SEALS.

The Lower Receiver

The lower receiver is identical to the ones used on Type A and B. It is a standard M4A1 lower receiver with the modified selector lever. As per requirement, this ambidextrous selector operates over 90 degrees of travel (as opposed to the Colt standard of 180 degrees). After testing was completed, this change was not well received. The reasoning in unclear as to whether they were just too used to the standard or if it did not manipulate as fast as the original.

The magazine release is the patented Norgon ambidextrous version. The stock is the VLTOR stock with dual battery compartments for the optics. This is a standard four-position Colt buffer extension with a H2 buffer. Due to the carbine utilizing a heavy barrel, the buffer with 2 tungsten weights and 1 steel weight was necessary to prevent light strikes from bolt carrier bounce. Improved hammer/trigger pins are used that are manufactured of stainless steel. This increases service life especially with heavy volume of fire required of the SCAR weapon. The finish is done in the required flat earth finish (coyote brown) done by Kal-Guard.

Conclusions

The opportunity arose to test fire Colt’s Type C SCAR in their engineering range in the basement of the factory. There was little difference in the feel between the direct gas and the piston driven carbines and their cyclic rate was about the same. The carbine fired was quite worn and neglected from the SCAR trials. However, the carbine functioned flawlessly; firing nearly 500 rounds in 15 minutes. The bolt carrier group was completely dry without lubricant.

There seems to be little doubt that the next generations of M16/M4 carbines will be piston driven mechanisms. Colt plans to introduce a piston driven law enforcement carbine in early 2006.

With the SCAR program moving forward with procurement from FN Mfg. Inc., only time will tell how the new weapons will stack up compared to the M4A1 carbines currently in use. The SCAR trials were without a doubt the most grueling small arms testing in the world since the original Armalite AR-15 was pitted against the government designed M14. Lessons learned in this weapons development program will influence further research and development of further upgrades or new weapons designs of the future.